Basic Data Entry

Open up a copy of Microsoft Excel (or your installed spreadsheet processor). If you are not sure where to find Excel, try this:

• Ctrl-Esc (brings up the Start menu), "R" (the command Run), and in the text box, type "Excel" without the quotes, then press Enter.

Your desktop will look like this.

Please maximize the Excel window (Alt-space, X) to make the best use of your eyes and brain.

The cells have row headings and column headings. You will be tempted to refer to a cell as "The cell A1", or "The cell Dee-Three". RESIST THE TEMPTATION.

The reference is valid, but you will find better ways to refer to cells. Back in 1986 when I started Lotus-123 spreadsheet work, I knew no better, and it held me back for years.

Type in any numeric value, for example, "123" without the quotes, then tap the down-arrow cursor key (right-hand side of your keyboard).

Type in any alphabetic value, for example, your name, then tap the down-arrow cursor key (right-hand side of your keyboard).

Tap the right-arrow and down-arrow keys a few times, and practice keying in more numeric and alphabetic data.

From your WinTips course you have learned some basic navigational skills such as Ctrl-Home, Ctrl-End. Practice those in your spreadsheet. You will get a few surprises, but depend on Ctrl-Home to bring you safely home!

You can save (and close and open) your spreadsheet as you would any other document - File, saveAs or File, Close.

Tomorrow you can open your workbook as you would any other document - File, open, or even File and the digit "1" (assuming your file is listed as "1" at the foot of your File menu.)

After a few days, your spreadsheet will look like this (above)

Are you surprised that your weight fluctuates?

Do you puzzle over the fact that your weight appears one pound LESS the morning after you pigged-out at The Montreal Deli

You will find some answers here . It worked - and continues to work - for me.

CGreaves@ChrisGreaves.com

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